Srinath and Samba are joined by Singapore Cricket ex-Vice Captain Arjun Mutreja for an interview where they touch on a variety of topics going behind the curtain on how Associate cricket works, funding from ICC, rankings and whole host of fun topics! Enjoy this episode.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement

05:08 The Journey of Singapore Cricket

08:29 Highs and Lows of Being an Associate Nation

18:27 Tim David's Journey and Impact

26:42 Talented Players in Associate Nations

29:22 The Potential of Unrecognized Players

31:15 Uncovering the Stories of Talented but Unrecognized Players

34:52 The Role of Grassroots Development in Nurturing Talent

38:54 The Importance of Viewership and Sponsorship in Cricket

46:30 The Significance of T20 and 50-Over Cricket in Player Development

49:34 Balancing Short-Term Goals with Long-Term Sustainability

In this episode, Srinath and Samba discuss the evolution of cricket and the need for a dedicated window for test cricket and franchise leagues like the IPL. They explore the challenges faced by players in balancing international and league cricket commitments and the financial incentives that drive players towards franchise leagues. They also discuss the importance of creating a commercial model and a framework to support test cricket and make it more appealing to audiences. They suggest the idea of a franchise-based test tournament and the need for collaboration among cricket boards to ensure the survival of test cricket.

00:00 Introduction and the Theme of the Podcast

01:31 The Need for a Dedicated Window for Test Cricket and Franchise Leagues

04:22 Making Test Cricket More Appealing

06:45 The Financial Incentives of Franchise Leagues

10:30 Creating a Commercial Model and Framework for Test Cricket

19:54 The Idea of a Franchise-Based Test Tournament

23:34 Collaboration Among Cricket Boards for the Survival of Test Cricket

25:02 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes

In Part 2 of the episode recorded after India beat South Africa in the T20 WC finals, Samba and Srinath rejoiced in the win by talking about Bumrah's GOAT-level bowling and the post-win madness parade in Mumbai!

In Part 1 of the episode recorded after India beat South Africa in the T20 WC finals, Samba and Srinath rejoice the win by talking about

- How each of them experienced the win and why Cricket is family and connected with so many emotions for millions in India.

- Seeing the cricketers emotional on the field - what this means for Virat and Rohit and the Indian players who have feel relief from not winning a cup since '13.

- Look back at the 1st innings (India's batting) and talking about Axar's influence in the WC, Virat's changing his style to play anchor.

- In Part 2, we talk about the inspired bowling, Bumrahhhhhhhh and about the parade.

In this episode, Samba and Srinath dive into

1. Hardik Pandya trade Post Mortem

- MI and GT go from 2023 highs to 2024 lows (eliminated first)

- Lessons for other teams on how to think about trades. Is this going to be any different going forward in the IPL?

- RR, SRH, CSK benefitting from this.

2. Sanjiv Goenka bringing in Indian workplace toxicity to the IPL

- Will KL rahul want to be retained by Lucknow?

- Will any stars want to play for LSG given they can be called to the Principal's office at any point

- Does Goenka even know how this is coming across?

3. Paying homage to Jimmy Anderson

- 21 years, 700 wickets - enough said.

- The epic smooth bowling action

- How much England is going to miss him

In this episode Samba and Srinath cover

1. Very un-CSK-like season with

- 1 spinner for most seasons - due to Chepauk not behaving like the fortress of 2010s.
- Most # of players ever to play in a season

- Injuries galore leading to a very shaky bowling lineup
- Batting lineup shake - also very un-CSK-like.

- Is this due to Dhoni to Rutu captaincy change?

2. Red hot flaming RCB

- Same strategy with kick-ass batting

- The same bowling unit has somehow been consistent. Is it trustworthy?

Samba and Srinath talk about the previous week in the IPL, with a specific focus on

1. PBKS vs KKR - where runs records tumbled and talk about how to bowlers can gain back some advantage.

2. Emergence of bowling specialists in the future of T20 cricket?

3. Shashank Singh - the phenom

4. CSK vs SRH - clinical and into Top 4 by CSK.

5. Indian T20 team selection. What Srinath and Samba liked and did not absolutely like (Sneak peek- shots fired on the Bowling line up thats been picked)

In this episode of IPL Chit Chat - Week of 15th April 2024, Samba and Srinath speak about

- Dhoni's 6-hitting prowess and character-defining win against MI.

- RCB loss to record-breaking SRH. Is it over for RCB??

- Indian Pacers stepping up

- Fitness standards and how that could help bowlers/sport

- Adults in the RR team (Ash, Buttler, Boult and Samson)